Why is so hard to find a simple thermostat for KV6
 

I’m trying to source a thermostat for the engine overhaul I’m about to make, but it seems impossible to find. Is it coming glued to the OEM housing, and comes only as a package?
My housing is not leaking yet...

Yes Paul, that is correct, the thermostat and housing are one assembly.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! If you possibly can, leave the three plastic components (straight pipe, curved pipe and thermostat housing) in situ during your engine work.

Simon

Oh go on ... have a fiddle. Just think of all the hours of fun you'll have fixing the other leaks that appear, replacing the snapped breathers, trying to re-fit the O-rings on the fuel line elbow etc ......:D

Hmmm...bad design already; and I haven’t even started...

My comments are, if a jobs worth doing it’s worth doing properly.

Paul; may I ask why you are undertaking an engine overhaul? What is the problem?

Simon

Engine overhaul...actually I meant timing belt replacement. It was never done for this car (it has about 55.000 miles, but obviously heaps of years)

It really is worthwhile changing the thermostat while you have everything apart. It gives you the opportunity to change the intake manifold gaskets while you are at it. Thermostat housings with replaceable stats are available but they are the custom made metal ones that cost several times the price of the plastic units so not exactly a saving unless you have had repeated failures.

Why is so hard to find a simple thermostat for KV6
 

For 200euros, this is a very expensive excercise. That’s half of all the other components I’ve bought for this job. I’m not going to touch it than, and replace just manifold gaskets.

Ahh, well you won't need to touch the thermostat housing or inlet manifolds for that job and as they're not giving you trouble I'd recommend that you leave well alone.

I'm also sending you a PM Paul. :}

Simon